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Poached apricots with star anise and vanilla recipe

Try this with cardamom and a splash of orange-flower water, or a pinch of saffron

Two pink bowls of poached apricots sitting in a pool of infused syrup and served with a dollop of crème fraîche
Herbs like lavender or basil also work well in this dessert Credit: Haarala Hamilton

The key here is not to overcook the apricots. They can become tender very quickly and must keep their shape. It’s amazing how many flavours work well with them – try this with cardamom and a splash of orange-flower water, or a pinch of saffron, replacing some of the sugar with honey. Herbs are good too, especially lavender or basil.

Timings

Prep time: 8 minutes, plus infusing, cooling and chilling time

Cook time: 15-25 minutes

Serves

6

Ingredients

  • 200g granulated sugar
  • juice of 1½ lemons, plus 2 broad strips of lemon zest
  • 1 large star anise
  • 1 vanilla pod
  • 750g apricots, halved and stoned
  • crème fraîche, to serve
  • almond cake, langues de chat, shortbread or biscotti, to serve

Method

  1. Put the sugar, juice of 1 lemon, zest, star anise and 600ml water into a saucepan (or sauté pan) that is large enough to hold all the fruit in a single layer.
  2. Slit the vanilla pod along its length and scrape the seeds into the pan, then add the pod.
  3. Heat gently, stirring to help the sugar dissolve. Simmer for 4 minutes, then remove from the heat for the vanilla and star anise to infuse for 30 minutes.
  4. Heat the syrup again, add the apricots and poach gently until just tender. This can be as quick as 2 minutes, depending on the size and ripeness of the fruit.
  5. Be ready to whip them out with a slotted spoon as they become tender (some cook more quickly than others), testing them with the tip of a sharp knife.
  6. Lay the apricots in a broad, flat container in a single layer (they will cool quicker this way).
  7. Discard the lemon zest and reserve the vanilla pod (you can dry it gently and use it again, even though the seeds have been removed). Taste to see how strong the star anise flavour is, then judge whether to leave it in the poaching liquor or remove it.
  8. Put the poaching liquor back on the heat and boil until it has reduced to about 300ml. Leave to cool completely (it will thicken) then add the rest of the lemon juice if it needs it (add it gradually, tasting as you go, until the syrup is sweet but fresh).
  9. Put the apricots back into the liquid and chill. Serve with crème fraîche and cake or biscuits.
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